Europe's nightmare? Japan extends its impressive unbeaten streak

Japan, a potential opponent of the Brazilian team in the period before the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has just extended its unbeaten streak against European teams to nine. The team from the land of the rising sun had a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands on Sunday (October 14). This unbeaten streak began in the group stage of the previous World Cup, when Japan surprised with 2-1 wins over both Germany and Spain. They advanced to the round of 16 as Group E leaders, however, were eliminated by Croatia after a penalty shoot-out — which still counted against their unbeaten streak in the official 90 minutes.

In the last five matches, all friendly matches, Japan has won. The first match in this series was against Germany, when they beat them 4-1 in Wolfsburg in September 2023. This result led to Hansi Flick being sacked and Julian Nagelsmann being appointed as the new coach of the German team. Japan also defeated Türkiye (4-2), Scotland (1-0), England at Wembley (1-0) and Iceland (1-0). Their impressive streak will continue to be tested on October 25, when they face Sweden. Before that, on Sunday (October 21), Japan will meet Tunisia in Group F of the World Cup.